Hypothalamic GLP-1 Response in Healthy Weight and Obesity
Key facts
- Where
- Copenhagen, DenmarkSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Source: NCT07854886, who can take part
Where in Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical SciencesCopenhagen, DenmarkTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Copenhagen
- Trial code
- NCT07854886
- Record updated
- 2 November 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) helps the brain sense sugar. It includes adults with healthy weight and adults with obesity.Read full original descriptionShow less
Quantifying Hypothalamic GLP-1 Response in Healthy Weight and Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Neuroimaging Infusion Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) helps the brain sense sugar. It includes adults with healthy weight and adults with obesity.
The main questions this trial aims to answer are:
A. Does GLP-1 cause the brain's response to sugar? B. Do lower GLP-1 levels cause a weaker brain response to sugar in adults with obesity?
Researchers will compare each participant's brain response across four test days. On these days, GLP-1 levels will be blocked, raised, or left unchanged. Sugar will be given either into the stomach or into a vein.
Participants will:
Attend 1 screening visit Visit the clinic for 4 test days Receive sugar and get an MRI scan of their brain on each test day
Inclusion: Group 1:; Age 18-75 years; BMI 18.5-25 kg/m²; Normal glucose tolerance (Fasting glucose < 5.6 mmol/L); Group 2:; Age and sex-matched with group 1; BMI≥30 kg/m²; Impaired glucose tolerance (Fasting glucose 5.6 - 6.9 mmol/L).
Exclusion: Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists or other GLP-1-based therapies within the past three months; Previous bariatric surgery; Women using hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives, progestin- containing implants or hormonal intrauterine device.); Current eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa); Contraindications to study procedures, including:; Esophageal or nasal obstruction (e.g. tumors, strictures); Coagulopathy; History of skull base trauma; Esophageal varices; Hiatal hernia; Claustrophobia; Inability to comply with MRI requirements (e.g. remaining still); Presence of non-removable magnetic objects incompatible with MRI; Any other condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the study physician, may compromise safe participation in the study; Diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2, or fasting plasma glucose > 7.0 mmol/L; Use of medication affecting appetite, body weight, or glucose metabolism within the past three months; Known serious chronic disease, including but not limited to:; Heart disease; Anemia (hemoglobin <7.0 mmol/L for women, <8.0 mmol/L for men); Renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²); Hepatic impairment (ALT or AST >3 times upper limit of normal); Known monogenic obesity; Substance abuse (current or within the past year); Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or wish to become pregnant during the study period; Women of childbearing potential not using adequate contraception.